Part II of Coore-Crenshaw Day was a lovely stroll of the 13-hole, yes 13 holes, Bandon Preserve Par 3 Links Course.  All the links elements-dunes, fierce bunkers, wild greens, and, of course, the wind.  No designated tees but plenty of options on each hole to pick from.

The holes…pick the tee of your liking…lots of variety in each hole

It is a perfect place to let your hair down, unwind, and settle a few bets.  Bandon Preserve is a real diamond in the rough.  With short tracks like these in every town in America golf would be enjoyed by many, many more folks.

The Motley Crew up for the Srixon Neon Challenge

(Click on any picture to get an enhanced view of the image)

All the elements of a links hole…just shorter.

Sherpa guides point the way.

Assessing the scene of the crime.

Hide and seek on the flag.

Wind swept?

Big friendly groupings, a few bets, and some adult beverages.

A little Jack happiness.

And there is the ocean.

#13 the final stop.

August, 2012

(Click to read Postcard From Old Macdonald-Day 3)

Today was Coore-Crenshaw Day for the Motley’s as we ventured to this stunning Pine Barrens accented creation on the rugged hills and sand dunes of Bandon.  The course meanders through sandy dunes, green meadows, and pine forests getting it’s unique character from the blend of these environments.  Coore-Crenshaw integrated links elements like blowout bunkers, nasty gorse, and natural green settings with the challenge of dramatically mounded fairways and mind boggling elevation changes to create a golf challenge with a racing pulse.

Stone Monuments In Bandon Lodge       (photo courtesy of M. Levine)
Our days begin with a ritual incantation touching the stones and praying for pars and birdies.

On this glorious day the popcorn sky over the tree tops that frame every hole.

Pine Barren look mixed with links random bunkering demands clear decision making.

Dramatic elevation change, fierce bunkering, and a three story green challenge.

Matriculation Benches-chance to catch a breath and ponder your fate.

Natural Green Settings-they just extracted the terrarium features to surround them with bother.

Huge Elevation Changes-make club and shot selection a real challenge.

Plodding down the trail down to the landing area with the drift wood fencing marking
the way.

Stump Flower Pot-exhibits indigenous vegetation that defines the environment of this course.

Arduous march toward home up a six story par five.

The Full Monty-one last par three with everything but the kitchen sink.

August, 2012

(Click to read Postcard From Bandon Preserve-Day 2)

For more course detail click to see Bandon Trails Course Review

First impressions of Bandon Dunes on a sunny and windy day on the Oregon coast.  An authentic walking links without pretension.  Bandon encompasses the complete natural look and feel of the coastal elements with a touch of wind to add some uncertainty.  Plenty of unexpected bounces to accept and unrelenting hazards to avoid.  Links golf is about acceptance, patience, and perseverance.  For a links afficianados, Bandon Dunes is the real deal.

The Clubhouse-staging and viewing area

Practice Center-Shorty’s Signal-this side of the range is closed today.

The Jaw Dropping Vistas

Pretty As A Painting-with all the seaside elements-furry mounds, sod-wall bunker, sea grass, and wind exposure.

Still Life With Rake

Drift Wood-from Hawaii?

Dwarf pines and gorse accent the links.

Misdirection-How do you get to this flag on ten?

Simple Challenge-avoid the pot and hold it on the table top….and account for the wind influence.

A Reflective Shade Tree Moment

An Environmental Forced Carry-then negotiate the roller coaster green.

The Finish

The Motley Crew
Justin, Moe, Kathy, Marla, Alan, and Dave

August, 2012

(Click to read Postcard From Bandon Trails-Day 2)

For more course detail click to see Bandon Dunes Course Review

Recent trip to the hallowed grounds of Pine Valley caught a few lighter moments on film.

The Motley Crew-Bob, Moe, Ken, and Gui

Zen station….

Basic instructions and a place to sit and contemplate what is required

Iconic halfway house….

Gatorade or something stronger if you need it

Click on any photo to get an enhanced view of the image

There are green places to play from and brown ones to avoid……

Negotiating Hell’s Half Acre-an intimidating layup on your second at #7

Variety….two greens on the 9th….greenskeeper will choose for you…

The green of the day will determine which side to place your drive on the Par 4 9th

From the tee number 10 looks fairly tame butt…………

The large transition bunker is the least of your problems here

The infamous Devil’s ________ awaits…

Just before the proctology exam

The procedure….

A full Roto-Rooter

Rarely a level stance awaits when you get to your approach position…

A little green hide and seek on the Par 4 11th

Forced carries are a staple….off of tees and into greens

You have to hit your drive perfectly on 17 to get this look

Searching for home….

Magellan Moe points the way

Position off the tee….chutzpah into the green is required…

The final traverse will bury the dreams of the meek

Pine Valley

June, 2012

Leave it to the Brits to make Putt-Putt into an aristocratic experience.

As part of  Selfridges’ “The Big British Bang” celebration Bompas and Parr (how appropriate) has been asked to create a delectable miniature golf course on the roof of Selfridges in London.  Instead of clown noses and windmills, the adornments to the holes are eight foot replicas of London Bridge, Big Ben, and other famous London edifices…..all made out of cake.

This is clearly the grandest of a kid’s birthday party…. for adults.  Only question remains is do you have to wear plus fours and use a hickory shafted putter to play?

(Click to read about “The Big Rooftop Tea and Garden Party”)

It’s Nice That

Liv Saddall

May, 2012

If you are a golf addict you probably witnessed 8 of these 10 best shots in 2011 from the comfort of your family room couch.  That would mean 8 times you lept from the couch and shouted at the family pet, “You’ve got to be kidding!”  He is still wondering why you keep saying that.

This is spine tingling stuff.

(Click to see PGA of America’s 10 Best Shots of 2011 On The PGA Tour)

PGA of America

December, 2011

You have seen shows of guys who do trick golf shots for a living.  But how about a trick shot show by top European professional golfers who just do it for fun.

Enjoy the attached video with Rory McIlroy and Jason Day doing the Happy Gilmore or George Coetzee doing a very cool version of the wedge flyback thing or Peter Lawrie reliving the day of defeating a Stymie or Rafael Cabrera-Bello successfully playing the shot that could have won Phil a fourth green jacket.

Boys will be boys.

(Click to watch the golf-monthly.co.uk video on pro trick shots)

Shane Bacon, Golf Blogger

April, 2012

If you want to see another array of this kind of artistry take a look at this video of trick shots from professional Gareth Maybin.  Some serious slight of clubhead,  hand, and other body parts in this one.

Warning:  Do not try this at home.

(Click to watch Gareth Maybin-Sportsrisq video on trick shots)

Gareth Maybin

July, 2011